What woods were used for these tables?

Makers utilised walnut, rosewood, oak, mahogany, fruitwood, and satinwood for the primary frames and veneer work. Specimen wood examples incorporate numerous additional native and exotic timbers. Bone and mother-of-pearl also appear as contrasting inlay materials on specific Italian and Middle Eastern pieces.

How do I identify Sorrento work?

Sorrento tables typically display precise geometric parquetry or marquetry executed in walnut or olive wood. These Italian pieces often originate from the nineteenth century. The inlay work focuses on strict repeating geometric patterns rather than pictorial scenes.

Where were these tables placed?

These pieces functioned as occasional tables, bedside stands, lamp tables, or centre tables in Victorian and Edwardian interiors. Games tables served specific rooms for card play and chess. Their compact sizes allowed placement beside seating or against walls as decorative display surfaces.

What is specimen wood furniture?

Specimen wood furniture incorporates many different varieties of timber to showcase natural colour and grain variations. New Zealand and European makers utilised local and imported species for these decorative tops. The resulting surfaces display distinct geometric arrangements of contrasting woods.